JANUARY, 2006
WholeHealth Philosophy
Welcome
to my electronic newsletter. Our
mission
at Whole Health Resources is to help you achieve
radiant
health, harmonious emotions and joyful, passionate,
abundant living. This e-zine
provides information on how diet, attitudes, emotions,
environment, and lifestyle create our health
and happiness or lack thereof.
Every life has meaning and endless potential.
Passionate, radiant, healthy, abundant living are your
potential. Are you one of the many
experiencing barriers to this ideal? It is my mission to help you
remove them. The foundation of my
philosophy is Holistic and based on the principles of
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Attitudinal Healing, and
traditional and contemporary spiritual philosophies.
Every
choice
Matters
- what we choose to eat, think, feel, and believe; how
we relate to others; our life's work; and the rhythm
of our life all impact our well-being. If some
aspect of your health or life is not working, you have many options.
Incorporating
therapeutic foods will benefit not only your body, but
also your mind, emotions, and spirit. Perhaps you’re
more drawn to spiritual work such as Meditation or
inner work such as Attitudinal Healing which will positively impact every
aspect of your health and life. Or perhaps some
coaching on work-life balance can bring you back to
equilibrium. It doesn’t
matter
where you begin. Now is the best time to make new
choices that will create a healthier reality.
Natural Treatments for Colds and Flu
Immune System
Is Your Diet Helping or Hindering Your Immunity?
What Is A Balanced
Diet?
Herbs/Supplements for Prevention
Herbs/Supplements for Treatment
For
the Mind/Emotions
Whole Health Guide to
Strengthening Immunity
Upcoming Classes
F eatured
Workshop
Resources
Natural Treatments for Colds and Flu
The best treatment
for winter colds and influenza is prevention. But
don't despair if you're already inflicted.
There are many herbs, supplements, foods, and
lifestyle factors that are safe and effective for
prevention and treatment. This article will
focus on some of them.
Cold symptoms can
include nasal discharge, runny nose, sneezing,
coughing and fever. Colds primarily involve
the upper respiratory organs, the throat, sinuses
and nasal passages. However, irregular bowel movements
and diarrhea can sometimes accompany colds
because of poor elimination of wastes from the body.
Influenza includes
many of the same symptoms along with body aches,
fatigue, flushing of the neck, face and chest, headache,
chills, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu symptoms
tend to be much worse than colds.
The flu also
affects the same areas as colds, but usually produces more
generalized symptoms throughout the body. In
some cases, influenza involves the digestive organs.
Immune System
The immune system
determines the state of health or disease.
It
protects you from infection and foreign invaders
such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
When the immune system recognizes these invaders, it
triggers an innate immune response. When the immune
system is weak, we're susceptible to colds,
infections, and more serious illnesses. A weak
immune system leaves the body vulnerable to attack
from numerous microbes surrounding us and inside of
us.
What Weakens Immunity?
There are many factors that influence immune
health. Unfortunately, there are many more that
suppress it rather than enhance it. Our immune
system can be weakened by:
-
Chemotherapy drugs, radiation, and
surgery
-
alcohol
-
poor diet, junk food and sugar
-
excessive exercise or lack of
exercise
-
smoking
-
allergies
-
drugs (recreational or medicinal)
-
lifestyle choices
-
inadequate sleep
-
stress and emotional turmoil and
extremes
-
negative mental patterns
-
chemicals and pesticides
-
high fat diets
-
hormone/steroid residues in meat and
dairy
-
frequent air travel
-
overwork
A healthy diet, positive attitude, healthy
emotional expression, good
sleep habits, appropriate herbs, moderate exercise,
a community of supportive friends and family, and
recreation and laughter can all boost the immune
system.
Is Your Diet Helping or
Hindering Your Immunity?
Some people experience continual colds and
infections during the Fall and Winter, while others
are rarely affected. Yet both groups are often
exposed to the same viruses in the environment.
The difference in resistance is, to a large extent,
related to one's food and lifestyle choices.
Diet either strengthens or weakens natural
resistance, and raises or lowers the threshold of
infection.
Colds, flu, and other infections are much less
frequent among those who eat a naturally balanced
diet. Colds represent your body discharging
excesses from the diet. It is one way your body
cleanses. The accumulation of excess from a
poor quality diet provides fertile ground for the
many cold and flu viruses.
The key to preventing colds, flu, and other
infections is found in avoiding extremes in diet
that lead to recurring discharges and weakened
immunity. Attempting to isolate oneself from
the many viruses and bacteria that are present in
the environment is futile. You don't have to
move to a deserted island and avoid people for six
months.
The most direct way to prevent infections and
strengthen resistance is through an environmentally
balanced diet.
Dietary Causes
When cold symptoms involve the upper
respiratory system, throat, sinuses and nasal
passages, the primary causes are excessive amounts
of:
-
simple sugars
-
concentrated sweeteners, fruit and
fruit juice
-
tomatoes, potatoes and other highly
acidic vegetables
-
soft drinks
-
ice cream, milk, yogurt
-
alcohol
-
icy cold foods and beverages
When the symptoms affect the lungs and
middle of the body, including stomach, the primary
causes are excesses of all of the above plus:
Symptoms that affect the small and large
intestines are caused by over consumption of :
-
heavy animal fats
-
all of the above
Many people eat too much of all the
above. You may eat all of them. The key
is knowing which foods are appropriate for you and
how to counter the effects of those excesses on an
ongoing basis. Many people believe that
everything in moderation is okay. That word,
moderation, is too vague. If you have health
problems, your idea of moderation may be
contributing to your problems. Believe it or
not, the above are not the only foods that exist.
What is a Balanced Diet?
Everyone needs their own individualized
version of diet based on age, all health conditions,
constitutional strengths and weaknesses, lifestyle
factors, activity level, and other factors.
There are foundational foods, however, that will
improve everyone's overall health. They
include:
-
whole grains daily such as brown
rice, barley, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, Hato
Mugi, and
others;
-
a variety of vegetables daily - at
least 3 cups.
-
more cooked than raw vegetables in
cold weather.
-
hormone, antibiotic and steroid free
meats in small quantities eaten with plenty of
vegetables.
-
animal foods are more balanced and
easier on our system when eaten in soups, stews,
stir-fries with plenty of vegetables.
-
healthier protein from beans,
legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds.
-
fruits and fruit juices are optional
depending on one's condition. Cold, weak,
deficient, frail people should minimize or
eliminate.
-
use of small amounts of unrefined
sea salt in cooking provides important
minerals and contributes to good digestion,
physical vitality and mental focus.
-
cow's milk products are best avoided
except small amounts for those who are
deficient, weak, and frail, and only if
digestion is strong.
Create a Personalized Plan
To determine the best foods and supplements
for your unique health, why not invest in a
consultation to create a plan personalized.
You can eliminate a lot of guesswork, doctor's
visits, money spent on medications, and time lost
being sick.
Click here for more information.
Herbal and Other Treatments
NOTE:
All herbs and supplements should be taken 2 hours
apart from prescription medications. They are
not intended for use if you are pregnant. It's
always best to consult with a professional
herbalist.
Click here
for information.
For Prevention
Astragalus,
a tonic herb, strengthens resistance to colds, flus,
weakness and disease; builds energy and improves
digestion. It treats chronically weak lungs
and shortness of breath. Astragalus can be
taken for 2-3 months at the onset of the cold and
flu season. It's usefulness is as a
preventive. If you take Astragalus once you
have a cold or flu, your symptoms will worsen.
Astragalus is more effective when combined with
other herbs in a formula.
Astra C,
by Health Concerns, is a great choice for preventing
infections and allergies. It combines
Astragalus with Vitamin C, Zinc Citrate, Rose Hips,
Acerola, Siler and White Atractylodes.
Click
here to order.
Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and flavonoid.
Food sources include apples, berries, grapefruit,
onions and cabbage family vegetables. Quercetin is
also available as a supplement. One of my favorite
formulas is
Quercenol
by White Tiger.
Click here
to order. Coenzyme Q10 is another
antioxidant with immune-boosting properties, but not
as effective as Quercenol.
To
improve immunity, use chlorophyll-rich foods
including all dark leafy green vegetables such as
kale, bok choy, collard greens, watercress, mustard
greens and dandelion greens. Supplement with algae
(not for cold or weak people), chlorella, spirulina,
Vitamineral Greens, or cereal grasses. These contain
immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory properties, and
are abundant in omega-3 and GLA fatty acids.
My favorite chlorophyll product is
Vitamineral Greens.
Click here
to
order.
Ganoderma
Mushrooms (Reishi is Japanese name) are a supreme
immune tonic and fine for anyone to take.
Inhibits bacteria and viruses, protects body against
stress, alleviates allergies, bronchitis, chronic
pneumonia; regenerates the liver. It is
anti-oxidant against free radicals.
Revitalizes the body, increasing inner stamina and
strength.
Cordyseng
by Health concerns contains Ganoderma, Astragalus,
American Ginseng, Ginger,
and
licorice, and is a superior immune tonic.
Click here
to order.
Treatment of Colds and Flu
Echinacea
is antibiotic,
antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic. It is
effective for treating colds, fevers, flu, all
infections and inflammations and is immune
enhancing. It is intended for use to treat
infections and NOT as a preventive. After 10
days it will lose its effectiveness and should be
discontinued.
Goldenseal
is antibiotic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
It treats infections, flus, liver congestion,
inflammations. It is not intended for
long-term use.
The most effective formula I've used to treat cold
and flu is
Isatis Gold
by Health Concerns. It contains Isatis,
Echinacea, Platycodon, Goldenseal and Ligusticum.
I always keep this formula in my medicine cabinet.
To order,
Click here.
N-acetylcysteine, commonly called
NAC, is a form of the
amino acid cysteine. It can stave off disease
and boost the immune system. It can lessen the
severity and duration of flu symptoms. NAC
reduces congestion related to sinusitis, bronchitis,
asthma, and other respiratory diseases. Do not
use for more than a month.
Cold Away
by Health Concerns treats colds and flu, fever,
sinus and chest congestion, coughing, headache, sore
throat, cold sores, and pharyngitis. It is
meant to be taken in the early stages of cold and
flu. This is one of the most effective
formulas I've ever taken and I wouldn't be without
it.
Click here to order.
Elderberry
Extract
is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. It can
improve symptoms of colds and influenza, keep it
from spreading, and speed up recovery.
Oscillococcinum,
manufactured by Boiron, is a homeopathic remedy that
decreases the duration and intensity of flu
symptoms. It helps prevent flu if taken at the
first sign of illness.
Garlic
is anti-viral; however, it is not for everybody.
If you have a lot of heat
signs, fever, high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, migraines, prone to anger, thick yellow or
green mucus, eat a lot of animal food (including
cheese and eggs), have a normally warm body
temperature, and tendency toward constipation,
garlic will make your condition worse. Garlic
is effective for cold, weak,
deficient types with watery mucus, chills, and
tendency toward loose stools.
If you do have heat signs,
drink 3-4 cups peppermint tea a day. Eat a
liquid-based diet with vegetable soups, lightly
steamed and raw vegetables, some fruit (especially
grapefruit and lemons) and fruit juice or vegetable
juice.
If you have more cold signs,
eat a simple diet with grain and vegetable soups,
homemade chicken soup (canned versions are not as
effective) with vegetables; fish soup
with vegetables; steamed or roasted parsnips;
horseradish, scallions, and other warming foods and
beverages.
Ginger Tea eases
headaches, muscle aches, indigestion, gas, and will
help stave off the chills of a cold or flu.
When experiencing cold and flu symptoms, drink 3
cups of ginger tea daily. Chop or grate one
teaspoon ginger and simmer in a covered pot with 1
1/2 cup of water for 7-8 minutes. The ginger
teabags sold in stores will not be nearly as
effective as using fresh ginger.
Overwork and lack of
relaxation, fun and joy affects everyone's health
health. We need a balance between work and
rest, giving and receiving, being active and being
passive. Sickness has a way of putting us flat
on our back as a means to give us the rest and
balance that we're often not willing to give
ourselves. There are many positive insights
for us in every problem.
Start today to make small consistent changes in
your choices. In no time you'll experience
positive results.
Unexpressed
and unresolved emotions contribute to head
congestion and can weaken your resistance.
Your body is not separate from your mind and
emotions. Each aspect affects the others.
Get in touch with your feelings; find positive
pathways through them; learn to effectively
communicate your feelings with others. Learn
to forgive and let go.
Often negative emotions precede sickness. They
persist and we ignore them. Emotions are a
guidance system, letting us know how close to
balance we are. If we do not listen to the
messages behind the feelings and make appropriate
changes, eventually something
has to break down.
Creative energies that are stifled or blocked can
cause the same health issues.
Learn to relax mentally and to express your emotions
in healthy ways. Take care of things you've
been avoiding or putting off. These are vital
to good health.
*******************************************
New
Offering
Whole Health Guide To Strengthening Immunity
by
Deborah Barr
A new
e-booklet filled with practical, effective and useful information to prevent
and treat weak immunity and its many diseases.
From colds and flu to allergies, chronic fatigue,
cancer, and more, you'll discover you have far more
control in reversing health issues and creating
better health than you realized.
-
Your Kitchen Pharmacy
-
Specific foods, beverages, and recipes
-
Home Remedies
-
Compresses, plasters and other external
treatments
-
Herbs, vitamins and supplements
-
Lifestyle Factors
-
Emotions, Stress and Immunity
-
How
Environment Affects the Immune System
-
Discovering and Eliminating Causes
-
Taking Control of Your Health
Click here
for details.
Creating Emotional Harmony
Are you plagued with anxiety, overwhelm, fear,
anger, or depression? Perhaps you go through
your days with malaise, sensing that something is
missing.
There are effective,
healthy ways to resolve stress, anxiety, depression
and create mental/emotional harmony.
If you'd like to learn to turn negative
mental and emotional states into joyful living, without the use of
pharmaceuticals, this Workshop is for you.
Click here for details.
Deborah Barr is available to present
a variety of presentations or workshops to your organization or
company in half-day or multiple session workshops, or
60-90 minute presentation. These can be
customized to meet the needs of your group. Send an email to
deborah@wholehealthresources.com
or call 412.421.770
for information.
CLICK HERE for a complete listing of all
presentation topics.
-
Natural
Weight Loss Workshop begins February 15.
-
Natural Weight Loss Introduction - February 4
-
Creating Emotional Harmony - February
18
-
Natural Remedies For Pain Relief -
January 31
-
Inner Fitness Workshop begins
March 4
CLICK HERE
for all class details.
Custom
presentations and workshops are available for your
Company or Organization.
Click here to learn more.
I
My background is in Traditional
Chinese Medicine which sees the
body/mind/emotion/spirit as intimately connected, each
aspect influencing the other. I am also a trained
Facilitator in Attitudinal Healing. Attitudinal
Healing is a process of uncovering personal beliefs
and attitudes that prohibit healing any aspect of
ourselves. It helps one gain an understanding of how
negative or unhealthy states can work for us, rather
than against us. You will create harmony, balance,
happiness and strength and learn many skills for
resolving conflicts
in a way that everyone wins.
Counseling utilizes dietary
therapy, attitudinal healing and herbal/supplement
guidance. Programs are customized based on your health
condition, constitutional strengths and weaknesses,
age, and lifestyle. Coaching will guide you toward
clarity in your thinking, empower you to remove
obstacles and make changes necessary to reach your
goals, teach you creative problem solving, and give
you accountability in an environment where you are
fully listened to in a non-judgmental way.
FREE initial session
(30-40 minutes) can be done by phone or in my
Pittsburgh office. Offer expires, February 4, 2006. Call
412.421.7760 or send an email to
health@wholehealthresources.com
to schedule.
CLICK HERE
for Counseling/Coaching, and
Attitudinal Healing information.
**************************************
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************************************
RESOURCES
Read The Herbs of Life by
Leslie Tierra; Staying Healthy with
the Seasons
by Elson Haas; Healing
Immune Disorders by
Andrew Gaeddert; Healing with Whole Foods
by Paul Pritchford.
Peaceful
Resolution Meditation CD by Deborah Barr.
Click here to order.
macroboyd@gmail.com for healthy cooking classes
in Pittsburgh with Heather Boyd.
For great recipes,
www.vegweb.com, www.edenfoods.com,
and
www.wholefoods.com.
www.ventureoutdoors.org
Their mission is to make it easier to get everybody
outdoors. A fun,
affordable, and
very worthwhile organization. They truly have
something for everyone.
The contents of this e-newsletter are educational, and do not serve as a
substitute for professional health care. |
